info@chedwards.net   (516) 249-5200
Menu

Blog

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

There is very exciting news that was officially released from Disney studios. Disney and director Jon Favreau are working on a live-action remake of one of the studio’s most popular animated films, The Lion King!

Disney has amazed us with their recent live-action remakes. Some of these include, The Jungle Book, Maleficent, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, which is coming out in 2017. What makes the Lion King even more unique is that it will feature the original soundtrack. So now you can sing along to these classic tunes the same way you remembered them.

“We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of the Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide,” the company said in a press release.

The original Lion King debuted in 1994. This was one of the biggest animated films of all time. Which included many awards and nominations. It grossed at $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically, according to Disney. Now we have to see if this re-make will be even more successful, we sure hope it is. Although there is no exact release date, the debut is anticipated for early 2017. Is this something you are looking forward to, because just like Simba, we can’t wait!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness month. We live in a world that is more connected than ever before. The Internet touches almost all aspects of everybody’s lives. In fact, most of us depend on it for everyday living.

Whether it is online shopping, paying bills, or even just browsing the web, your personal information is out there. That’s why every year NCSAM strives to educate the public and raise awareness about cybersecurity.

Here are some helpful tips to follow when it comes to protecting yourself online:

• Don’t ever say “It won’t happen to me”. Every time you log into the internet you are an attractive target for hackers.

• When setting up passwords, make sure to use a strong mix of characters, numbers and symbols.

• Never share your passwords with others.

• Never leave your devices unattended. If you need to leave your computer, phone or tablet, be sure to set up a lock for the device until you return.

• Be careful when clicking on attachments or links in email. These links can be spam.

• Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should only be done on a device that belongs to you, on a network that you trust. If you are doing any of these on a friend’s computer, public computer or a restaurants free WiFi, your data could be copied and stolen.

• Be sure that your devices are protected with anti-virus software.

• Watch what you share on social networks. Criminals can befriend you and easily gain access to a shocking amount of personal information.

• Always monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. As soon as you see something strange, it could be a sign that you may have been hacked.

Stay safe while surfing the web. You never know when you could be the next target for a hacker.

 

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Fall is here and it`s time for pumpkin picking, festivals and so much more! Luckily on Long Island there is always something to do, especially in the Fall. Whether you are looking for a family fun day or a day out with friends, there is always something to do. Below I will list the top 6 activities to do this season.

1. Why not pick fresh apples! Lewins Farms in Wading River is the perfect place pick your own apples. Then you can either enjoy a fresh apple or even make an apple pie.

2. You can pumpkin pick! There are so many pumpkin farms on Long island including Schmitts Farm in Melville and Stakey`s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue.

3. The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens, presented throughout October, showcases the amazing work of dozens of local artists. Spend an hour walking through the trail and see more than 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns light up the night.

4. Southampton embraces fall with a full weekend of art, music, food, entertainment, and history near the end of September. The aptly named Southampton Septemberfest allows residents and visitors to explore Southampton’s rich cultural heritage and its close connection to agriculture and the sea. Adding to the entertainment are volunteers dressed in traditional outfits who sell locally grown produce, teach traditional crafts like basket weaving, and even hold class in a one-room schoolhouse.

5. Celebrate Long Island’s rich history and traditions at the Hallockville Museum Farm’s Fall Festival and Craft Show, which includes demos on basket weaving, yarn spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, and more, plus more than 50 craft vendors. See livestock displays, farm machinery and tractor exhibits, and even a model railroad display.

6. Grande Festa Italiana, held annually in early September at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, is both the largest and oldest Italian feast on Long Island. Along with the rides, fireworks, and live music, kids can enjoy sampling a variety of Italian foods and watching cooking demonstrations.

With so much to do, it`s easy to say that Long Island is the place to be during the Fall. What activity is your favorite?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

iPhone 7 Plus Release

iPhone 7 Plus Release

Apple lovers are jumping for joy now that Apple has officially released the new iPhone 7 Plus. One of the first exciting features of the new device is the dual lens system. The phone is also now available in the new color option of blue! Along with these changes there has been a change in the way you’ll be using your headphones. “The new device will indeed not have a headphone jack and may be even equipped for wireless charging – the “docking” magnets on the back look similar to the ones on the Watch.”

Many consumers have mixed feelings about the “missing” headphone jack. Some love it, and some are not very fond of the idea just yet.

Will you be upgrading your phone for the new iPhone 7 Plus?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Important Things To Know About Life Insurance

Important Things To Know About Life Insurance

September is Life Insurance Awareness month. Most Americans who do have life insurance, are not carrying enough, life insurance. Then, there is the rest of Americans (about 40%) who have no life insurance whatsoever.

According to research, the two most common reasons why an individual does not carry life insurance is because they have competing financial priorities, or they think they can’t afford it.

This is why every September, our agency helps spread awareness and educate our clients on the facts and importance of life insurance.

Here are some interesting and important things to know about Life Insurance:

  • The first ancient civilization to use life insurance was the Roman Empire. Burial clubs would go around and collect money from the poor to pay for their funerals.
  • Every U.S. Citizen is eligible for guaranteed issued life insurance, regardless of age, sex or medical condition.
  • Term life insurance can cost as little as the price of one cup of coffee, per week.
  • You’re never too old or too young to buy life insurance. In fact, the younger you buy, the better off you will be.
  • The goal of life insurance is to provide financial security for your family after you are gone.
  • The term of a life insurance policy can be for as long as you decide.
  • The beneficiary of a life insurance policy is the individual that relies on you for an income.
  • Men are more likely to pay more for life insurance than women due to health conditions, dangerous hobbies, and lack of seeking medical attention.
  • If you have a dependent relying on your life, you should have life insurance.
  • Young professionals are the largest buyers of life insurance.
  • The most common reason for retired individuals to buy life insurance is to pay for funeral costs.
  • Business owners have the option to name their business as a beneficiary on their life insurance policy.

Our life insurance specialists at C.H. Edwards, Inc., recommend that individuals carry eight times their annual salary in life insurance. If you do not already have life insurance or you would like to review your current life insurance policy, contact our office at
(516) 249-5200 and we will be happy to assist you.

Don’t wait another day. Make an investment in your families future by purchasing  life insurance today.

 

Apple’s New and Redesigned Emojis

Apple’s New and Redesigned Emojis

If you love using emoji as a form of communication, then the news that Apple just released will make you happy. This Fall, Apple will be joining Google in adding different types of emoji that reflect gender equality. They announced over 100 new and redesigned emoji that will launch with iOS 10. The main focus of this new launch is to release a variety of emoji that better represent men and women in the workforce. This a project that both Google and Apple have joined together with the Unicode Consortium, which is the organization in charge of adding emoji. Since this project is supported by Unicode, it means the emoji will show up properly on all different devices.

This update will include alterations to existing ones as well as never before seen emoji. Users can now pick between female and male athletes and professionals. There will also be an addition of a new rainbow flag. One lastly addition will be more family options, like single parent families. “Google says 90% of the world’s online population use emoji, and giving people more options to express themselves is a good thing.” And now this Fall, you will be able to express yourself even more throughout the use of emoji. What emoji are you most excited for?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Although hurricane season officially began on June 1st, we are now entering the peak for this year’s season. From mid-August through mid-October, the Atlantic coast is at a higher risk for hurricanes and tropical storms.

With that said, here are some hurricane safety tips to help you prepare for this year’s peak season.

1. Know if you are in a high risk area. Find out if you live in an area where you are exposed to flood risks and high winds. Speak to your local emergency management agency.

2. Make an emergency plan. Sit down with the members of your household and come up with an evacuation and safety procedure in the event of a severe storm.

3. Put together a basic survival kit. Fill a water safe bin with items such as water, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, flashlights, cash, chargers, and batteries. Store this bin in an easy to reach, safe place in case of an emergency.

4. Be sure to stay tuned with local emergency alerts, TV, radio, and weather updates. Knowing if there is a storm headed your way will help you to prepare properly.

5. Consider buying flood insurance. Flood can happen anywhere at any time. Even if you do not live in a flood area! Keep in mind that Flood insurance must be in force a minimum of 30 days before a claim can be made.  Flood is NOT covered on a typical homeowners policy.

Don’t get caught unprepared this flood season. For more information on flood insurance and whether it is right for you, please give our office a call at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.  Act now.  Don’t wait for a disaster to strike!

by Denise Visco

 

TSA PreCheck Program

TSA PreCheck Program

Have you ever wondered how to get through the airport faster? Well one way can be to shorten the security line. This is easily done with TSA PreCheck.

The TSA PreCheck program allows trusted travelers to go through an accelerated security screening process when departing from participating U.S. airports. More than 160 airports and 16 airlines allow TSA pre-approved members to clear airport security checkpoints efficiently and hassle free. Approved PreCheck members are given a Known Traveler Number, or a “KTN,” to be used during the flight reservation process so that airlines can print the KTN directly on a member’s boarding pass as an indicator. Expedited TSA PreCheck screenings are not guaranteed in all cases as TSA security measures are unpredictable.

Now that you know what it is, you are probably thinking how do you get into this program. We have the answers for you! Individuals who can get TSA PreCheck approval include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents who have never been convicted of certain crimes. Also eligible for TSA PreCheck enrollment are members of other Trusted Traveler programs belonging to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, like Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Furthermore, the following groups are all considered

TSA pre-approved:
• U.S. active-duty military members
• National Guard members
• Reserve members
• Department of Defense civilian employees
• Federal employees with security clearance

There are many benefits to this program. Especially if you are a frequent flyer. Airline customers with TSA PreCheck approval have the benefit of going through a separate, shorter TSA PreCheck screening security queue so that they can clear the checkpoint and get to their gate faster. Additionally, TSA fast pass members are allowed to keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on their bodies and travel-size liquids and laptops in their bags. TSA PreCheck status members are generally exempt from undergoing body scans and pat downs. These adjustments to the regular screening process allow for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect the car to be equipped with all of the basic features a new car would have. Features such as adaptive headlights, air bags, seat belts, backup cameras, and brake assistance. How about the spare tire? A decade ago, the spare tire was an important feature when purchasing a new car.

According to a study conducted by AAA, automakers are ditching the spare tire in favor of tire inflator kits. Over a third of new vehicles sold in 2015 alone were driven without a spare tire.

Stringent fuel economy standards have forced automakers to shed weight from their vehicles; these changes have generally benefited drivers by lowering pollution and consumer gas budgets. Substituting a tire inflator for a spare tire only saves about 30 pounds from the vehicle. The 30 pounds saved is equivalent to saving less than a penny per gallon of gas.

Meanwhile, tire inflator kits can cost up to $300 to repair after a single use. Not only are the tire inflators more expensive to repair than changing a tire, but they also have limited utility. When a puncture occurs in the center of the tire’s tread, on the side wall, or in case of a blowout, the tire inflator is not effective.

Flat tires aren’t disappearing anytime soon, so why should spare tires?

If you are shopping for a new car this season, do not hesitate to ask your dealer if your vehicle comes with a spare tire. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire inflator, learn how to use the kit. It’s better to find out now, than to be surprised on the side of the road.

 

Long Island Game Farm – Fun Before the Summer Ends

Long Island Game Farm – Fun Before the Summer Ends

Are you looking to have some family fun before it’s time to head back to school? Look no further than the Long Island Game Farm located in Manorville, New York.20160723_104327

Founded in 1970, the Long Island Game Farm has been providing a life time of memories for children and families on Long Island. This year, they are celebrating their 47th season as the largest combined children’s zoo and wild life park on Long Island; with a wide variety of shows, interactive animal exhibits, and carnival rides, every family member is sure to find something they love.

Ticket prices vary among age. Adult admission is $18.95 + tax. Seniors (62 +), children and military personal admission is $16.95 + tax. If you are visiting with a child under the age of 2 admission is free for them. If you plan to visit with a large group, take advantage of their special package prices listed on their website.

While there, be sure to pick up some treat for the animals. Animals with a sign that say “feed me” are happy to be fed and loved! Don’t worry, they won’t bite!

20160723_105209Make sure to make a pit stop at bambiland, the giraffe encounter and the nursery. At these interactive exhibits you get up close and personal with the animals to feed, pet, and learn more about them.

Find out what the Long Island Game Farm has in store for yourself. Visit them today with your loved ones. For more information visit http://www.longislandgamefarm.com/.